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Kids to be weighed on first day of primary school


Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 16/04/2012. Kids to be weighed on first day of primary schoolTags: Parenting Kids Health

A proposal has been put forward that would see children weighed on their first day of primary school in a bid to target obesity.

Speaking at the annual general meeting of the Irish Medical Organisation, consultant paediatric endocrinologist at Tallaght Hospital and head of paediatrics at Trinity College Dr Edna Roche revealed the plans.

She explained how one in five youngsters aged between five and 12 is obese and the initiative is designed to help tackle this growing problem.

Doctors, officials from the Department of Health (DoH) and the Health and Service Executive are currently in talks to establish a programme of support for children who are deemed overweight, with families referred to obesity specialists.

A start-up date for the screening plan has yet to be announced, with public nurses expected to take on the additional workload.

According to the DoH, children need to undertake at least 60 minutes of exercise a day to avoid excessive weight gain.

Written by Donal WalshADNFCR-2163-ID-801340305-ADNFCR


Comments

Sheila Whelan

(18-04-2012 11:20)


This is not appropriate at all. This should not be put in place. It is daunting enough for a young child starting school and they SHOULD NOT be put through this 'analysis' which they will not comprehend. It is up to parents to weigha dn monitor the health of their own children. It is not the business of schools to assess a childs weight. It is their business to educate them as best they can - which of course should include lots of informaiton on the importance of a healtyh diet and regular exercise -that is as far as it should go within th eschool. If the DOH want to monitor childrens weights they should contact each individual parent and arrange 1) consent 2) a suitable time for it to be done in the childs home or in a local health centre etc. Parents should be fully briefed on what the data is intended for and how it will be used / useful. Don't agree with this at all.

adrienne Behan

(19-04-2012 20:14)


I agree with the other comments. It is the responsibility of parents to monitor their own childs health. Instead of sinking money into this why not put it into supporting the schools physical activities programme. My young daughter takes part in 'Stretch and Grow' classes once a week in creche. She learns all about healthy eating, exercise and looking after and protecting her body. She wont drink anything but water or milk. This costs me 70 every 10 weeks but it is worth it. She is educated in a safe and fun environment and made to feel important and empowered. Weighing children when starting school is degrading and disgusting.

Carole-Anne Pardoe

(18-04-2012 04:35)


Totally the wrong way to go, difficult enough transition starting school without dividing them into groups according to their weight!... just keep kids active! ....

Carol Willers

(16-04-2012 11:22)


I think a parent can tell if their child is fat or not. No TV and computer games during the day at weekends. Take your kids out side, to the park, out door games or just for a long walk. If a parent can't see that their child is becoming obese then the parent is probably also obese.

Deborah McMahon

(16-04-2012 10:56)


load of rubbish. Weight is not a great indicator of obesity unless they are going to check their overall body fat there is no way of knowing how much is muscle, fat or water.

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